“Just when I was ready to give up on growing food and planned to put all my gardening energy into native plants, my friend Todd gave me a gentle nudge in the direction of Permaculture. I had heard the word before but didn’t really know much about it. After spending some time with Google and YouTube, I quickly realized that Permaculture was something I needed to learn more about. I signed up for the first session of South Shore Permaculture’s PDC (Permaculture Design Course). The first session went over the basics via an online Google classroom and culminated with an in person walk through a local farm. The classes are led by Todd and Jessica. They really are a dynamic duo! Both a wealth of knowledge but with different styles that complement each other. My intention was to just do the first session this year and maybe do a session a year until I finished the course, but I am already signed up for the next section and hope to keep going! I highly recommend this course. If you are in South Shore MA, are interested in growing your own food, helping the planet, etc then check out South Shore Permaculture! You won’t regret it!”

— David Baker, 2023 PDC Alumnus

“My experience with Module 1 of South Shore Permaculture’s PDC course has been fantastic! The information received prior to the start of the course was timely, relevant and accurate. The material covered in the course has been accessible, detailed, and presented in a very professional and organized manner. Todd and Jessica are a great team and enhance each other’s teaching styles very well. While online training is not my favorite, the format has allowed for much easier access and flexibility due to my busy schedule. The in person portion was very rewarding and provided a great deal of practical insights to be aware of when considering a design. I am very much looking forward to completing the upcoming modules and am very confident it will be a most rewarding process!”

— Matt Whittaker, 2023 PDC Alumnus

“South Shore Permaculture’s PDC program is a major asset to the South Shore community and anyone looking to develop the ability to design ecologically integrated landscapes & food systems that are aligned with permaculture principles. The skills taught in this PDC are valuable to those interested in co-creating a more localized food system while restoring the health of these lands. This PDC program is one-of-a-kind in that it approaches permaculture design with a bioregional focus specific to the Northeast region.

My favorite aspect of this program, contributing to its uniqueness, was its emphasis on localized community-building around shared values which is needed now more than ever. I have met wonderful, like-minded people through this program and look forward to continue building community with them.”

— Julia Chase, 2024 PDC Alumna

“Taking a permaculture course through South Shore Permaculture has been a life-changing experience! I gained practical skills in sustainable living and learned how to work with nature to create resilient systems in my backyard here in Plymouth MA. The instructors, Jessica, Todd, and Brett are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate, making the classes engaging and inspiring. I left each session feeling empowered to make a real difference in my community and personal life.

The hands-on projects were enriching, from designing garden layouts for the Marshfield Fairgrounds as our final project to learning about water management techniques, horticulture, and regenerative farming applications. The supportive community and relationships I experienced during the program were just as valuable as the knowledge I gained. Everyone was eager to share ideas and support each other on this journey.

If you’ve ever been curious about how to live more harmoniously with the Earth, I highly recommend attending South Shore Permaculture classes. It’s more than an education—it’s a movement toward a better future.”

— Edward Anthony, 2024 PDC Alumnus

“When I started researching permaculture classes, I was amazed and delighted to find South Shore Permaculture right here in my area offering a PDC custom-designed for our local landscape and community. Our instructors, Jessica and Todd, packed every class with practical information and inspiring examples of how to put the principles of permaculture into action, using a curriculum grounded in respect for Indigenous peoples and traditional ecological knowledge. I wasn't sure I could complete a full permaculture design course while working full time, but South Shore Permaculture's mix of online and in-person learning made it accessible and fun. I highly recommend SSP to everyone who is interested in building new skills and meaningful connections to support a more resilient future for themselves and their community. The knowledge, resources, guidance and support I received have been invaluable and well worth the investment of time and tuition.”

— Mary Ann Ormond, 2024 PDC Alumna